After four years away, Gambia’s return to Independence Stadium in Bakau was meant to reignite local football pride. But instead of a triumphant homecoming, the CHAN qualifier against Algeria highlighted a growing concern—the Scorpions’ persistent inability to score.
Despite a newly renovated stadium and the lifting of a FIFA and CAF ban, empty seats replaced the expected roar of fans. The home-based national team failed to find the net again, extending their goalless streak to three straight matches.
Head coach Alagie Sarr blamed limited preparation and psychological pressure, though few spectators were present. “We only had two days with the players because of the FF Cup and league matches,” he explained. “They couldn’t perform well under pressure—even with a small crowd.”
This latest goalless draw follows two earlier scoreless encounters against Gabon in the previous CHAN round. Gambia advanced via penalties, but the lack of goals remains a glaring weakness.
Against Algeria—a side that reached the CHAN final last year—Gambia’s failure to make home advantage count may prove costly. With the return leg set in Algeria’s cold conditions, Sarr admitted his team faces an uphill battle. Training will shift to evening sessions to mimic Algeria’s climate, but confidence in a turnaround remains low.
Despite a few bright moments—Adama Kanteh’s near goals and midfield energy from Ebou Sanyang—Gambia’s attack lacked sharpness. Coach Sarr had hoped the 3 p.m. heat would favor his side, but Algeria dominated early play, exposing the limitations of the strategy.
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Algerian coach Madjid Bougherra welcomed the draw and expressed optimism about finishing the job at home. With Gambia’s scoring troubles unresolved, the Scorpions’ CHAN journey hangs by a thread as they head into a tough second leg.
